CHICAGO (AP) — Slumping slugger José Ramírez connected for a go-ahead, two-run homer off Lance Lynn in the sixth inning and the Cleveland Indians bounced back from being no-hit, beating the Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Thursday. After Carlos Rodón just missed a perfect game Wednesday night, there was a different kind of tension this time as the benches emptied in the bottom of the first. Adam Eaton singled and tried to advance when Indians right fielder Josh Naylor threw to third, hoping to get the lead runner. Eaton arrived ahead of the throw back to second, but was called out when his hand came off the bag while shortstop Andrés Giménez stood his ground and held the tag. Eaton grabbed Giménez’s leg, began barking and then pushed Giménez in the chest with two hands. Indians starter Aaron Civale plunked Eaton with a pitch in the upper arm in the third. Civale (3-0) allowed only a run — in the first — and five hits through six innings in his third straight strong start. Nick Wittgren and James... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Slumping José Ramírez connected for a go-ahead, two-run homer off Lance Lynn in the sixth inning and the Cleveland Indians bounced back from being no-hit, beating the Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Thursday. After Carlos Rodón just missed a perfect game Wednesday night, there was a different kind of tension this time as the benches emptied in the bottom of the first. Adam Eaton singled and tried to advance when Indians right fielder Josh Naylor threw to third, hoping to get the lead runner. Eaton arrived ahead of the throw back to second, but was called out when his hand came off the bag while shortstop Andrés Giménez stood his ground and held the tag. Eaton grabbed Giménez’s leg, began barking and then pushed Giménez in the chest with two hands. Indians starter Aaron Civale plunked Eaton with a pitch in the upper arm in the third. Civale (3-0) allowed only a run — in the first — and five hits through six innings in his third straight strong start. Nick Wittgren and James Karinchak... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Slumping José Ramírez connected for a go-ahead, two-run homer off Lance Lynn in the sixth inning and the Cleveland Indians bounced back from being no-hit, beating the Chicago White Sox 4-2 on Thursday. After Carlos Rodón just missed a perfect game Wednesday night, there was a different kind of tension this time as the benches emptied in the bottom of the first. Adam Eaton singled and tried to advance when Indians right fielder Josh Naylor threw to third, hoping to get the lead runner. Eaton arrived ahead of the throw back to second, but was called out when his hand came off the bag while shortstop Andrés Giménez stood his ground and held the tag. Eaton grabbed Giménez’s leg, began barking and then pushed Giménez in the chest with two hands. Indians starter Aaron Civale plunked Eaton with a pitch in the upper arm in the third. Civale (3-0) allowed only a run — in the first — and five hits through six innings in his third straight strong start. Nick Wittgren and James Karinchak... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Braves left-hander Max Fried was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring Wednesday after injuring himself while running the bases. Fried is off to a rocky start coming off a stellar 2020 season, and now he's sidelined by a fluke injury in Tuesday night's loss to the Miami Marlins. He tweaked his hamstring running from second to third on a wild pitch. The Braves also placed rookie outfielder Cristian Pache on the IL with a strained left groin. Left-hander Tucker Davidson and outfielder Guillermo Heredia were called up from the alternate-training site to fill the openings. Fried (0-1) has an 11.45 ERA through three starts after going 7-0 with a 2.25 ERA last season and finishing fifth in the NL Cy Young Award balloting. He was dreadful in the 14-8 loss to the Marlins, allowing nine hits, eight runs (seven earned) and two homers in four innings. In his previous start, he lasted only two innings against the Nationals while surrendering five runs. Manager... [More]

.ATLANTA (AP) — Kung Fu Panda has made the opening day roster for the Atlanta Braves. The team made a flurry of moves Saturday to complete its 26-man group, most notably promoting nonroster infielder Pablo Sandoval to the big league roster. The 34-year-old Sandoval is a two-time All-Star and 2012 World Series MVP looking to revive his career in a bench role with the Braves. The portly switch-hitter earned his spot with a strong spring, hitting .429 with four RBIs in 35 at-bats. “Pablo speaks for himself, just the way he comes in, his professionalism, what he adds in clubhouse, the presence has, the respect he has from everybody,” manager Brian Snitker said. “And he can still hit. He's kind of what you're looking for. He’s a guy who can sit around and stay ready.” The Braves, who open the season Thursday at Philadelphia, also selected the contracts of two other nonroster players: infielder Ehire Adrianza and reliever Nate Jones. Former All-Stars Jake Lamb and Jason Kipnis were released,... [More]

Ender Inciarte's attempt to win a starting job in the Atlanta Braves' outfield is temporarily on hold as he recovers from a thumb injury. Rookie Cristian Pache, the Braves' choice over Inciarte to fill in during the postseason last year, is competing for the starting job in center field. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Thursday that Inciarte hurt his thumb when he got hit by the fists with an inside pitch during a recent at-bat. “It’s just been a slow process getting him treated and getting a bat in his hand again,” Snitker said. Snitker said he does not know when Inciarte will be able to play. “He’s progressing, but he’s just not to the point where he could go out and get a game at-bat right now,” Snitker said. “We’ll just have to wait and see.” This is a crucial season for Inciarte, 30, as he tries to reverse an offensive decline. He is entering the final season of a $30.5 million, five-year contract that includes a team option for 2022. Inciarte hit .190 in 46 games last season after... [More]

After the worst season of his career, Ender Inciarte is eager to show he’s not washed up. The Atlanta Braves outfielder batted just .190 in the pandemic-shortened year and was left off the roster for all three rounds of a postseason run that came up one win short of the World Series. “I was really sad,” Inciarte said. “I'm not going to lie — it was one of the toughest moments I've had to deal with since I've been a professional baseball player.” Even though top prospect Cristian Pache is tabbed as the center fielder of the future, Inciarte is getting a chance to win back his starting job this spring. He’s still just 30 years old, but this is a key season heading into the final year of a five-year, $30.5 million contract that includes a team option for 2022. “In my head, I’m always going to be a starting player,” Inciarte said. “I don’t want to put in my head that I’m a backup player. Once you start thinking like that, you go one step back. I always try to think the best of me. I think I... [More]

For a 22-year-old rookie who has had only four regular-season at-bats, Cristian Pache has good reason to look comfortable with Atlanta Braves starters in spring training. Pache already has delivered offensive and defensive highlights on one of the game's biggest stages. Pache unveiled his talents with six starts in center field in Atlanta's NLCS loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His second-deck homer and above-the-wall catch were enticing previews of the big plays he might provide as a starter in 2021. The big-game exposure changed Pache's offseason. Suddenly, he didn't blend in as easily when he returned to his home in the Dominican Republic. “I think it was a little different,” Pache said Wednesday through a translator. “When I went back home I was recognized a little bit more around town." The postseason experience was especially valuable after the coronavirus pandemic took away the minor league season. Already this spring, manager Brian Snitker sees evidence of the young outfielder’s... [More]

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — The Atlanta Braves claimed outfielder Guillermo Heredia off waivers from the New York Mets on Wednesday. Heredia, who was added to Atlanta's 40-man roster, was designated for assignment on Sunday when the Mets finalized a deal with center fielder Kevin Pillar. Heredia is the second veteran outfielder to be added to Atlanta's roster this week. The Braves claimed Phillip Ervin off waivers from the Chicago Cubs on Monday. “We’ve got a lot of outfielders in camp all of a sudden,” manager Brian Snitker said Wednesday. Heredia, 30, played for the Mets and Pittsburgh last season, hitting .212 with two homers and five RBIs in 15 games. He has a .239 career batting average in five seasons with Seattle, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and the Mets. There could be an opening on the Braves' roster after outfielder Adam Duvall signed with the Miami Marlins. Nick Markakis remains a free agent. Rookie Cristian Pache will compete with Ender Inciarte in center field. Right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and left fielder Marcell Ozuna are established starters. Abraham Almonte also is competing for a roster spot. Infielder Jack Mayfield was designated for assignment to clear a spot for Heredia on the 40-man roster. Snitker said it will be a challenge to find playing time for all the outfielders. He said the plan is “to get them all in shape, get them in games and see what we think.” ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker expects to approach key pinch-hit situations with renewed confidence this season as he looks at the Braves' newly bolstered bench. More depth was added on Tuesday when the Braves finalized a $1 million, one-year contract with third baseman Jake Lamb that is not guaranteed. The signing adds another veteran bat to an already deep competition for bench spots in spring training. Lamb, a 2017 All-Star with the Arizona Diamondbacks, was with the Braves for their first full-squad workout and will compete for a bench spot. He could provide insurance for Austin Riley, who is expected to start at third base, but he was signed for his left-handed bat as a pinch-hitter. Snitker hopes Lamb can produce off the bench the way Matt Joyce in 2019 and Eric Hinske from 2010-12 were effective with their left-handed swings. “You get late in a game and you need a double-switch, he can be a very valuable asset much like Matt Joyce did a couple years ago,” Snitker said Tuesday. “He... [More]

The Atlanta Braves have claimed outfielder Phillip Ervin off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. Ervin was added to the 40-man roster on Monday and will compete for a backup position. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Saturday. Braves position players will have their first workout in North Port, Florida on Tuesday. The Braves could have room in their outfield after Adam Duvall signed with the Miami Marlins. Nick Markakis remains a free agent. Rookie Cristian Pache will compete with Ender Inciarte in center field. The outfield also includes Ronald Acu�a Jr. and Marcell Ozuna. Ervin, 24, played his first four seasons with Cincinnati. He hit .271 with seven homers in 94 games with the Reds in 2019. He hit a combined .149 for Cincinnati and Seattle last season. The right-handed hitter has a career .277 average against left-handers. Outfielder Travis Demeritte was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett to open a spot on the Braves' 40-man roster. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — There were pained admissions of heartbreak and declarations of hope from players and manager Brian Snitker after the Atlanta Braves fell one win shy of the World Series. The heartbreak was obvious after a 4-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series on Sunday night. The Braves led the series 3-1. They held leads of 2-0 and 3-2 in the decisive game and still were denied their first World Series appearance since 1999. “I hate that,” Snitker said. “I want to go to the World Series so bad.” Freddie Freeman offered a balanced perspective when he spoke of the pain of the present and the promise of the future. “It hurts right now, it really does,” Freeman said. “This moment (stinks), but the Atlanta Braves organization is set up for success for a very long time. This group of guys we have this year is the start of something special.” The hope is bolstered by the emergence of young starting pitchers Ian Anderson, Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson. The three... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. has been removed from the Atlanta Braves' lineup in their regular season finale due to irritation in his left wrist. The postseason-bound Braves say the move before Sunday's game against Boston was made as a precaution. Even so, the report of renewed soreness in Acuña's wrist is cause for concern as the team prepares for the NL wild-card series. He was on the 10-day injured list due to soreness in the same wrist from Aug. 12-25. Acuña is hitting .250 with 14 homers and 29 RBIs. Ender Inciarte replaced Acuña in center field, and Ozzie Albies moved up as the new leadoff hitter. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Braves third. Ozzie Albies doubles to deep left field. Ronald Acuna Jr. flies out to deep center field to Cedric Mullins. Freddie Freeman doubles. Ozzie Albies scores. Marcell Ozuna pops out to third base to Rio Ruiz. Travis d'Arnaud walks. Dansby Swanson reaches on a fielder's choice to shortstop. Travis d'Arnaud out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 3 left on. Braves 1, Orioles 0.Braves fourth. Nick Markakis called out on strikes. Adam Duvall homers to left field. Austin Riley singles to center field. Ozzie Albies flies out to deep right field to DJ Stewart. Ronald Acuna Jr. walks. Austin Riley to second. Freddie Freeman lines out to deep center field to Cedric Mullins.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Braves 2, Orioles 0.Braves ninth. Ronald Acuna Jr. walks. Freddie Freeman doubles to deep center field, advances to 3rd. Ronald Acuna Jr. scores. Marcell Ozuna singles to deep left field. Freddie Freeman scores. Travis d'Arnaud singles to right center field. Marcell Ozuna to third. Dansby... [More]

Nationals first. Adam Eaton doubles. Trea Turner walks. Juan Soto doubles to deep right field. Trea Turner scores. Adam Eaton scores. Eric Thames singles to right field. Juan Soto scores. Brock Holt grounds out to shallow infield. Eric Thames out at second. Yan Gomes doubles to deep left field. Luis Garcia pops out to shortstop to Dansby Swanson.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 3, Braves 0.Nationals third. Trea Turner doubles to left field. Juan Soto singles to left field. Trea Turner scores. Eric Thames strikes out swinging. Brock Holt grounds out to shallow infield, Ozzie Albies to Freddie Freeman. Juan Soto to third. Yan Gomes singles to shallow center field. Juan Soto scores. Luis Garcia grounds out to shallow right field, Ozzie Albies to Freddie Freeman.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Nationals 5, Braves 0.Braves fourth. Adam Duvall strikes out swinging. Nick Markakis doubles to deep right field. Ozzie Albies walks. Ender Inciarte flies out to deep right field to... [More]

Marlins second. Garrett Cooper doubles to left field. Lewis Brinson strikes out swinging. Monte Harrison strikes out swinging. Jorge Alfaro singles to left field. Garrett Cooper scores. Jazz Chisholm triples to deep right center field. Jorge Alfaro scores. Miguel Rojas grounds out to second base, Ozzie Albies to Freddie Freeman.2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Marlins 2, Braves 0.Braves second. Dansby Swanson singles to deep left field. Austin Riley walks. Dansby Swanson to second. Adam Duvall walks. Austin Riley to second. Dansby Swanson to third. Ozzie Albies grounds out to first base, Garrett Cooper to Pablo Lopez. Adam Duvall to second. Austin Riley to third. Dansby Swanson scores. Ender Inciarte out on a sacrifice fly to deep left center field to Starling Marte. Adam Duvall to third. Austin Riley scores. Ronald Acuna Jr. walks. Freddie Freeman singles to right field. Ronald Acuna Jr. to third. Adam Duvall scores. Marcell Ozuna singles to left field. Freddie Freeman to third. Ronald... [More]

Marlins second. Matt Joyce homers to right field. Brian Anderson singles to right center field. Garrett Cooper lines out to deep center field to Ender Inciarte. Jazz Chisholm called out on strikes. Miguel Rojas grounds out to shallow infield, Dansby Swanson to Freddie Freeman.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Marlins 1, Braves 0.Marlins third. Jorge Alfaro homers to center field. Corey Dickerson doubles to deep left center field. Starling Marte strikes out swinging. Jesus Aguilar strikes out swinging. Matt Joyce strikes out swinging.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Marlins 2, Braves 0.Marlins fourth. Brian Anderson walks. Garrett Cooper homers to left field. Brian Anderson scores. Jazz Chisholm walks. Miguel Rojas grounds out to shallow infield, Dansby Swanson to Freddie Freeman. Jorge Alfaro singles to left field. Jazz Chisholm scores. Corey Dickerson grounds out to first base, Freddie Freeman to Kyle Wright. Jorge Alfaro to third. Starling Marte grounds out to shortstop, Dansby Swanson... [More]

Braves first. Ronald Acuna Jr. walks. Dansby Swanson walks. Freddie Freeman doubles to deep left center field. Dansby Swanson scores. Ronald Acuna Jr. scores. Marcell Ozuna strikes out swinging. Travis d'Arnaud singles to left field. Freddie Freeman to third. Nick Markakis grounds out to second base. Travis d'Arnaud out at second.2 runs, 2 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Braves 2, Marlins 0.Marlins second. Garrett Cooper grounds out to shallow infield, Adeiny Hechavarria to Freddie Freeman. Jon Berti called out on strikes. Jazz Chisholm reaches on error to shallow infield, advances to 2nd. Throwing error by Ian Anderson. Miguel Rojas doubles. Jazz Chisholm scores. Jorge Alfaro walks. Miguel Rojas to third. Corey Dickerson grounds out to second base, Adeiny Hechavarria to Freddie Freeman.1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 2 left on. Braves 2, Marlins 1.Braves second. Austin Riley lines out to shallow left field to Miguel Rojas. Adeiny Hechavarria singles to third base. Ender Inciarte triples to left field.... [More]

Red sox first. Alex Verdugo walks. Rafael Devers doubles to deep left center field. Alex Verdugo scores. Xander Bogaerts walks. J.D. Martinez doubles to deep center field. Xander Bogaerts to third. Rafael Devers scores. Kevin Plawecki pops out to shallow center field to Johan Camargo. Michael Chavis out on a sacrifice fly to deep right center field to Ender Inciarte. Xander Bogaerts scores. Jackie Bradley Jr. strikes out swinging.3 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Red sox 3, Braves 0.Braves second. Austin Riley doubles to right field. Adam Duvall homers to left field. Austin Riley scores. Johan Camargo singles to shallow left field. Ender Inciarte flies out to shallow left field to J.D. Martinez. Dansby Swanson flies out to deep left center field to Jackie Bradley Jr.. Freddie Freeman singles to shallow center field. Johan Camargo to third. Marcell Ozuna singles to shallow infield. Freddie Freeman to third. Johan Camargo scores. Nick Markakis lines out to shallow infield to Mike Kickham.3... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman threw a 101 mph fastball near the head of pinch-hitter Michael Brosseau while closing out his first save of the season, prompting the benches to empty after New York ended a six-game losing streak against the Tampa Bay Rays with a 5-3 victory Tuesday night.Chapman’s first pitch to Brosseau with two outs in the ninth inning whizzed past Brosseau’s head, and umpires met before issuing warnings to both benches amid a budding rivalry that’s been dominated this season by Tampa Bay. Chapman struck out Brosseau to end it, and Brosseau began walking toward the visiting dugout before turning back to exchange words with someone on the Yankees. The dugouts and benches emptied and players gathered near home plate, but they mostly kept their distance before dispersing to their respective clubhouses.DJ LeMahieu homered twice, and Gio Urshela hit a tiebreaking, three-run Little League homer in the sixth inning as New York beat the Rays at Yankee Stadium for... [More]